What is it?
Matcha is the result of finely milling high quality green tea, and not to be confused with the fannings found in low grade bagged tea. The processes of harvesting, drying, grinding, and oxidation are all very important in producing a quality matcha. The tea leaves are strictly shade grown just before harvesting — this results in an increase in chlorophyll production, resulting in matcha's bright green color — always harvested by hand, gently steamed to stop oxidation, and laid flat to dry. After drying, veins, stems, and other impurities are removed to prevent any bitterness from developing; the result is called tencha. The tencha is then slowly ground to produce a fine powder — matcha. Only tencha can be used to make authentic matcha.
Health Benefits
- Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
- Boosts metabolism and burns calories
- Detoxifies effectively and naturally
- Calms the mind and relaxes the body
- Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
- Enhances mood and aids in concentration
- Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
- Prevents disease
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
Caffeine
Because you’re consuming whole leaves in matcha, you may get three times as much caffeine than a cup of steeped tea, about the amount in a cup of brewed coffee. Matcha aficionados say that compared to the caffeine buzz from coffee, matcha creates an “alert calm” due to a natural substance it contains called l-theanine, which induces relaxation without drowsiness. You should still refrain from drinking before bed, to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Uses
Matcha is more than just great tea; it can be used to flavor or add color to many different foods and beverages. It blends great with dairy — try it in (or over) ice cream, use it in your favorite smoothies, add steamed milk for a delicious matcha latte… the list is endless.
Try it…
Matcha Rice Krispie Squares
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of rice krispie cereal
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 3 tbsp of butter
- 3 tsp of organic matcha
Directions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat
- Stir in the marshmallows and mix until melted
- Remove the pot from heat and add in the matcha green tea powder
- Pour in the cereal and stir until the krispies are covered with the matcha green tea powder marshmallow mixture
- Pour the mixture into a pan and shape the krispies however you’d like!